In vitro cytotoxic activity of phytosynthesized silver nanoparticles using Clematis vitalba L. (Ranunculaceae) aqueous decoction

In this study, we report a bottom-up approach for silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesis using aqueous decoction of aerial parts of Clematis vitalba L. The phytosynthesized AgNPs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and Bright Field Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (BFSTEM). The cytogenotoxicity and phytotoxicity assays of AgNPs were assessed by using Allium test, Evans blue and 2, 3, 5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, root and stem growth potential, and biomass evaluation. The results revealed that AgNPs were in the size range of 1-15 nm and spherical shape. The biosynthesized AgNPs augment the mitodepressive effect, disruption of cellular metabolism, impairment of root and stem growth, and biomass reduction induced by C. vitalba aqueous extracts. These results outline the toxicological profile of the C. vitalba extracts, as well as of the phytogenerated AgNPs and provides scientific perspectives on the use of C. vitalba extracts as reducing and stabilizing agent for the phytosynthesis of metallic nanoparticles.